To prevent accidents and expensive repairs, every homeowner should prep their property for the hazards that summer brings. From heat and humidity to unexpected leaks, there's lots to consider. STOP Restoration has provided several key tips to keep you covered.
1. Manage Indoor Temperatures
Don't let your house get hot and humid even if you're away for summer vacation. Set your A/C or thermostat to room temperature to avoid the risk of mold growth, warped floors and other damage. In addition, installing sun shades on your windows is an eco-friendly way to reduce temperature while saving you on energy bills.
2: Practice Safety at the Swimming Pool
Always supervise children around pools. This may seem obvious but can't be overstated, especially for younger children who can't swim. Have your children wear life jackets or water wings for extra protection.
During outdoor time, reapply SPF 30+ (younger children may require SPF 50+) lotion every ninety minutes to prevent sunburn, and drink water every 15 minutes to avoid dehydration. Umbrellas can provide extra protection from harmful rays.
Pool gates, backdoor alarms and water sensors are a few types of technology than can increase safety in your pool.
3. Install a Water Flow Monitor to Detect Leaks
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), US households lose nearly a trillion gallons of water each year. Leaks can cause severe and expensive damage to your home, which is why it makes sense to invest in water flow detection technology. Most water flow monitors use sensors to track the water pressure in your pipes, and some varieties can even automatically shut off water supply in the event of a leak. Click here to see a comparison of five smart water leak detectors.
4: Follow Grilling Safety Tips from the NFPA
The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) advises following several grilling best practices, including:
- Don't place your grill near overhanging branches or tree limbs.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
- Fully extinguish the fire once you're finished grilling.
Read more tips here.
5: Practice Firework Safety
If you're legally allowed to use fireworks, be sure to follow safety best practices as outlined by the National Safety Council (NSC). These include:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands.
- Only light one firework at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
6: Test Your Smoke Alarms
Working fire alarms are the best line of defense against errant summer fires. In addition to testing them, make sure you have enough alarms throughout your home. They should be installed in every bedroom, in hallways and on every level of the building.
7: Install Motion Detection Lights Indoors and Outdoors
If you're planning to leave your home for an extended vacation, consider installing motion detectors before you leave. These are a great way to make it look like you're home even if you're not, deterring would-be burglars and animal pests. You can also install security cameras to allow you to monitor your home and record activity. Another great line of defense if you're on vacation are automatic locks. The latest smart locks allow you to lock your home remotely and receive real-time alerts when a door is opened.
8: Schedule Regular Maintenance Appointments
Whether it's your HVAC, plumbing or electrical system, the best way to prevent disasters is by having a professional check and maintain your system every quarter.
You should also perform regular checks and upgrades yourself, including:
- Check pipes for leaks.
- Check appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines for leaks.
- Replace dishwasher and washing machine hose pipes every five years to reduce the risk of leaks.
- Keep appliances spaced apart and unplugged when not in use, reducing the risk of overheating and electrical fires.
9: Prepare Your Home Against Summer Storms
Windows are especially vulnerable during summer storms. Install plywood or impact-resistant storm panels well in advance of inclement weather. Items such as bicycles, signs and benches can damage windows and other parts of your house during a summer storm. Bring them inside or anchor them to the ground in advance of extreme storms.
Paper documents can be easily lost or damaged during the chaos of a summer storm or monsoon. Make sure they’re safely secured in a bolted safe or deposit box at least five feet above the ground.
For more tips on storm safety, see our blog post 6 Ways to Prepare Your Property for Hurricane Season.
